Jennifer arrived promptly to the school early Monday morning, anxious to get back into the swing of things and eager to see Macy, hoping the girl was alright.

Carolyn greets Jennifer with a knowing smile as she walks into the classroom.

" You look very well rested. Enjoy some time away with Jonathan?" Carolyn winks.

Jennifer just blushes. " We had a nice time."

" Good. You do look glowing." Carolyn says, staring at her friend, noticing her appearance looks rather radiant. She can't help but smirk a little bit as she meets Jennifer's gaze.

" I blame my good skin on Jonathan." Jennifer giggles, as Carolyn tries to stifle her laughter.

" As I stated before, you two are a story for the ages. I have to hand it to you Jen, he is quite the catch."

" He is and there are plenty more fish in the sea. Speaking of, have you thought about seeing anyone?" Jennifer hopes her question doesn't catch her friend off guard.

Carolyn shakes her head before replying. " Not a bite. Maybe it's time to toss in the old pole. I've been single for years, Jen. You know that. And let me tell you something, I wake up every morning grateful I don't have to starch and iron another pair of work pants as long as I live."

" I think any man would be lucky to have you. Don't give up on love." Jennifer says, hoping her friend would grow more confident in herself.

" Any updates on your case?" Carolyn asks as she thumbs through the stack of papers in her hand.

" Nothing. I actually didn't pick it up this weekend. Why?" Jennifer asks.

Carolyn gets up and hands over a file to her friend. It looks rather unassuming, but Jennifer knows her friend has uncovered something important.

She raises a brow and takes the folder carefully.

Carolyn has shut the classroom door, giving the two some privacy.

" I found this…from an old friend that wishes to remain anonymous." she says.

Opening up the file, Jennifer sees pages of numbers and account information in regards to the former senator and also another name on there that Jennifer recognized, Richard Markston.

" It's account information. There is also information about the board work he did and changes he made while working with the Wildlife Center." Carolyn gives her friend a knowing look.

Jennifer tucks it into her bag safely before putting the bag under her desk.

Before the students start filing in, Jennifer decides to ask Carolyn about Macy, wondering what she knew about the girl.

" Carolyn, what do you know about Macy?" Jennifer asks, inquiring about the girl. She was curious as to what her friend knew about her.

She and Carolyn had both noticed the girl looked a bit disheveled in her appearance and she stuck out to her because the young freshman, albeit quiet, was very intelligent.

" Principal Morris told me that she is a foster child. She's been to three homes so far. She's currently living at the St. Anne's Home for Girls."

Raising a brow, Jennifer understands now. " I see. Three families? How on earth could someone give back a child?"

" They can't handle the responsibility. Children aren't easy. Trust me I know. I have two of em'. It's sad. She's been through so much in her 14 years. I do hope she has an easy time during high school. Children can be so mean. If she survived grades 6-8, I'm sure she can breeze through high school." Carolyn says, lamenting the time her own children were so young.

Carolyn is divorced now. She was married 30 years and her marriage produced two boys. The divorce was finalized while her youngest was still in high school. It was hard on her but she managed to pick herself back up for her sons.

Jennifer remains quiet, thinking about her husband and his own childhood similar to that of Macy. All it took was someone who believed in him, which was Max.

" You would be a wonderful mother, Jen. Any child would've been lucky to have you and Jonathan as parents." Carolyn speaks up, winking.

Jennifer laughs. " Oh Carolyn, I think my time has passed. Jonathan and I would've loved a family but our life has taken us on many adventures."

Carolyn gives her friend a knowing look. " Consider it. That's all I'm saying."

Jennifer is about to say something before the two are interrupted by the sound of student voices carrying down the hall.

The first bell doesn't ring for another 30 minutes.

" I better go finish up the copies." Carolyn says.

" I'll do it. I don't mind." Jennifer stands from her desk. " Are you sure?" Carolyn asks.

Jennifer nods. " Of course."

" I hope you aren't upset by what I said. I'm sorry if I overstepped." Carolyn apologizes as she hands Jennifer the paper to make copies of.

" Not at all. I promise." she smiles.

" Alright. Good. I need 40 more copies please." Carolyn returns the smile before Jennifer leaves the classroom to head towards the office.

She sighs heavily as she walks, bidding good morning to the students she passes.

When she reaches the office, she hears some commotion and hears some laughter and a few male voices speaking.

She steps in to see Principal Morris and the back of another man in a very expensive suit talking just outside his office with the coach of the football team.

" Rickie is going to make us proud at the first game. Homecoming will be a success." She overhears Mr. Morris saying to the principal.

Jennifer nearly stops in her tracks as she realizes the man in the expensive suit must be the former Senator.

" Good morning Mrs. Brooks I need a few copies please." Jennifer hands the paper over to the elder office administrative assistant.

" Good morning Mrs. Hart. You can come back here. I'll help you." she says as she ushers Jennifer to the back of the office where the copier is.

Senator Johnston turns his attention to the redhead in the room, before smirking at his friend.

" Well now, look what we have here." he tries to lower his voice, but Jennifer can't help but overhear his comment and hope he doesn't waltz over to greet her, and he does.

" Hello. I don't believe we've met." Derrick says, putting on the charm.

Jennifer looks up from the copy machine and meets his gaze. His eyes look her up and down.

" I'm Jennifer Hart. I assist in teaching journalism." she replies curtly, taking his offered hand and giving it a shake.

" Derrick Johnston. Senator Derrick Jonhston." he cooly says with a smirk.

The hair on the back of her neck slightly stood up before she pulled her hand away.

" Your husband wouldn't happen to be Jonathan Hart would he?" he asks.

" He certainly is." Jennifer replies with a smile, trying to get a read on him, studying him closely.

" Ahh. Great man. Lucky if I might add." he remarks with a smirk.

" Thank you. I'm the lucky one. If you'll excuse me, I need to get back to class. Pleasure to meet you Mr- Senator Jonhston." Jennifer replies.

As she walks away she bids Mrs. Brooks farewell. Derrick can't help but keep his gaze on her as she walks down the hall.

" Wonderful addition to your staff, old boy. She's a damned pretty one." Derrick says.

" We are very lucky to have her." Mr. Morris replies, ignoring his comment.

Jennifer rushes back to the classroom. Carolyn can't help but notice the look on her face.

" What's wrong?" she asks her friend.

" Guess who was in the office speaking with Principal Morris?" Jennifer asks, after handing her friend the papers.

" Who?" She raises a brow.

" Senator Johnston." Jennifer replies, still staring towards the open door of the classroom.

Carolyn's mouth hung agape. " What did you think of our esteemed guest?"

" He made the hair on the back of my neck stand up. I might pay a visit to the wildlife center after we get out. Maybe someone there can help me tie up some of the loose ends with the information you gave me." Jennifer says.

She was determined, now that she set eyes on the former senator, that something was definitely amiss.

The classroom started filling up for the day and the bell was about to ring.

Jennifer had a lot to process before the day even began.

She has no idea how the rest of the afternoon will unfold.

TBC…